Stupid Swimming Lessons Update

{Stupid Swimming Lessons}

Swimming Lessons ended on Thursday night.  You may recall that I attempted to speak with the director before leaving the pool that night, but was unsuccessful.  I called to leave a voice mail message for her, when we got home.

I was pleasantly surprised when she returned my phone call Friday morning.

I wasn't quite prepared for the call and I had to scramble downstairs to find the Progress Report so I could  specifically read to her what was written {I always hate confrontational moments like this.  I get very flustered and more than likely sound like an idiot!}

Once I was able to successfully locate the Progress Report I felt like I was able to talk with her a little more easily, however, I was still nervous {It's that darn people pleaser in me!}

I was grasping at straws as I began trying to gently explain my frustration with; not only the comments that were written, but the attitude the swimming teacher possessed, along with his lack of communication, and confidentiality.

My mind was put at ease as we talked and she understood my frustration.  She explained to me that part of the lifeguard and swim teacher training discussed communicating with parents.  The training also included giving swimmers specific skills to practice as they waited for their turn to work with the teacher individually.

After talking with B, I learned that the infamous 'messing around' occurred when they were told to stay by the wall while the teacher was working individually with another swimmer.  B was not told to practice kicking or arm strokes {he has been told to do this in the past with other swimming teachers}.  Again, I'm not excusing my son's behavior, but I am better able to understand that it happened because he was expected to just stay on a wall with 2 other kids his age.  He wasn't given anything constructive to do, so he found something to do, which wasn't a good choice.

Before our conversation concluded the director thanked me for bringing these items of frustration to her attention.  She went on to say that the swim teacher would not be able to grow without parent feedback.  The director also stated that they always try to make the program the best that it can be and talking with parents helps with that.

Now that the situation is done and over with I feel better knowing that I stood up for my child in a respectful way. 

I realize that the swimming instructor is young {even younger than I gave him credit for initially} and doesn't realize the effect of his words and actions have.  I hope that he will use this opportunity to learn and think before he acts in future.

Part of my heart still aches knowing that my son wasn't really ever given a fair chance to show the swim teacher that he does know how to listen and be respectful.  B is caring and kind and he wants to follow directions.  He just needs to know what the exceptions are that he should be following.